PERSEPOLIS THEME SUMMATIVE PROJECT
Here we will examine how both implicitly and explicitly "Persepolis" tries to convey to us how we associate our beliefs to a group even if that means denouncing our own. We will also see how this happens in the real world and how our lifestyle affects the way we see it.
PERSEPOLIS' THEME
Both Implicitly and Explicitly Stated.
I believe that the theme of Persepolis is this: Societal pressures force people to associate themselves to a political group. When they do this it forces them to denounce some of their own beliefs in favor the group's. This polarizes society
Explicit Quotes
These passages of Persepolis clearly exemplify this theme of the book.
QUOTE #1- (SATRAPI 75)
This quote demonstrates the theme quite clearly. One of the neighbors started to wear the veil even though she was known to wear more revealing clothing. She had to go against her beliefs and wear the veil in order to stay apart of the ruling political group. Even if she didn't want to, she associated her beliefs to the party rather than herself.
QUOTE 2- (SATRAPI 75)
This quote demonstrates how people used the way they dressed to show their political beliefs. However, the book says that there were 2 types of people. This is a result of the polarization the political climate brought. People used their clothes to associate themselves with the political side that they were on. The problem with this is that you could only dress two different ways. This means you have to take on the beliefs of the group of which you dressed like.
QUOTE #3- FROM THE INVENTION OF WINGS
This quote is a perfect example of the theme. In the book John admits that he believed slavery was wrong, however he admits that he wasn't brave to speak out. This shows how he had to denounce his personal belief and instead stick to the beliefs of the dominating political group. This allowed for pro-slavery groups to reamain in control.
IMPLICIT QUOTES
Quotes that when you look beneath the surface prove the theme.
QUOTE #4- (SATRAPI 70)
This quote exemplifies the theme beautifully. Marji admits in the beginning of the book that she is religious, however her parents are not. This quote was the turning point with God. She was forced to choose her parents progressivism over religion. In Iran's polarized climate one can't be both religious and progressive. So, Marji was forced to give up one of the most important aspects of her life.
QUOTE #5- (SATRAPI 111)
Although this quote doesn't specifically relate to politics, it still represents the theme. Marji had to go against one of her beliefs and climb the wall. She did this because she wanted to be friends with those older than her. She could not, not climb the wall and be friends with the older kids. So, she had to do something she didn't want to do.
REAL WORLD CONNECTION- AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES
Why that has Polarized us
While this theme may seem limited to other more totalitarian countries, this theme applies to us right here in America. Often times people are not asked about their political views, but rather if they're Democrat or Republican. This usually gives people all the information they need. In America, people are expected to join a political party and take on their beliefs. It's very difficult to be pro-gun control (democratic) and pro-life (republican) in this nation. The heated political climate takes those in the middle of the two groups and forces them to choose a side; this only further divides the two parties and our nation as a whole. In the end this only makes things harder for the groups to reach an agreement and make important decisions.
PERSPECTIVE
My personal experience
Needless to say, everyone has seen this theme differently. Different political climates, cause some people to join a party for convenience, and some for survival, as was the case in Persepolis. However, denouncing your own beliefs to avoid being ostracized is something I'm sure most people can relate to, and I am most definitely one of them. In my family, I am often caught in the middle between my parents liberal beliefs and my grandparents more traditional conservative views. It is not uncommon for me to say I believe in one thing while I'm around my parents, then say I believe something else with my grandparents. Being pulled between both sides has made me realize that it is nearly impossible to find common ground between them. This is a result of the immense polarization that has plagued our nation. When we do this our beliefs don't become our own, they become those fed to us by our associated group. We may not be obviously oppressed; this isn't a matter of survival, but our desire to fit in forces us to choose a group. We all may do it for different reasons, and we all may have different experiences with it. We may all live in different political climates, but no matter what your perspective is, we need to help bridge the divide that this has created.